Overview & Reviews

For now, Isuzu SUVs and trucks are all that you'll see at your local Isuzu dealer; it's been quite a few years since there's been an Isuzu car. The company's specialized lineup is more a function of circumstance than choice. In recent years, Isuzu has seen its share of hard times; a lack of funding for both new product investment and marketing has forced the company to rely heavily on its partnership with GM. Both of the models in its line are derived from existing GM products.

Isuzu, which means "50 bells," is the name of a river that flows through a province dotted with ancient Shinto shrines in Japan. The company's roots date back to 1916, when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company first decided to broaden its business to include automobile manufacturing. The company forged a technical union with the U.K.-based Wolseley Motor Company in 1918. Its debut licensed offering, the A9 car, soon followed, as did its first truck, the CP. By 1949, the company's name had been changed to the more succinct Isuzu.

In the postwar years, production of Isuzu trucks boomed. The company's vehicles played a significant role in Japan's reconstruction effort, and were used to ferry clothes, food and other essentials. In 1953, Isuzu rolled out the Hillman Minx passenger car, the product of a technical union with Rootes, a U.K. outfit.

The 1960s saw the launch of passenger cars like the Florian, the Bellett and the 117 Coupe, as well as trucks like the WASP. In 1971, Isuzu entered into a partnership with General Motors. The Gemini, released a couple of years later, was the first Isuzu vehicle to be produced from the pairing.

By the 1980s, Isuzu had landed on American shores. The Pup was the first Isuzu sold in the U.S. market. The Trooper, an SUV available in two- or four-door form, was introduced in 1983 and quickly became popular in that new market segment. The company entered into a joint venture with Subaru in 1987, a union that spawned the Isuzu Rodeo and the Isuzu Pickup. Less popular than the trucks were the cars, such as the dated I-Mark sedan and the handsome, Italian-designed Impulse sport coupe.

The company's sales were relatively strong in the 1990s, thanks in part to the increasing success of the Trooper, which by that time had grown in size and luxury. The Trooper was one of the models responsible for the massive popularity of the SUV vehicle category during that decade. In 1999, GM upped its stake in Isuzu to assume the role of majority shareholder.

The new millennium brought bad news, however. Previous bestsellers like the Rodeo and the Trooper were outclassed by newer, fresher competition, and sales plummeted. The Rodeo and the Axiom (a crossover SUV) were dropped from the lineup in 2004. Currently, Isuzu's lineup comprises just two vehicles — a truck and an SUV, both of which are based on GM products.

User Reviews:

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  2002 Isuzu Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By uofpittpanthers - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with vehicle...actually over 23 mpg highway mileage with reg. gas,,,,compare to dollar for dollar against highlander or other comparable mid size and you wont think twice about buying this vehicle.

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  Better than expected - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By STS92 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  As good as the first one I bought back in 1984! Overall reliability of this vehicle has been exceptional. No mechanical problems at all in 24,000 miles. Huge interior with the back seats down.

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  Happy with my purchase - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport
  By ifearnopho - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive, looks great, and it has been perfectly reliable for the almost three years that I have had it. For those debating it, I definitely recommend buying the V6 engine. Changing lanes takes getting used to (the blind spots are horrendous,) and with the spare tire and rear-seat headrests where they are, reverse is worse. But those are its only drawbacks - keep them in mind when you test drive it. Ive been very pleased.

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  Great value/Great price - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Paul Favorite - October 21 - 3:33 am

  Great truck

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  One of the few remaining true SUVs - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By kboyfrommd - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  All around fun car - 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Roger17 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Rodeo for almost 3 years and it has been pretty good to me. No major problems ever. Mostly put on highway miles. Great acceleration! Very quick car, even at highway speed. Though the steering doesnt feel that solid as Id like at high speeds. Handles turns well. Have had my 6CD changer replaced twice!! The front seats are too short and become uncomfortable on long trips. Not enough leg room for me (6ft 2), the steering wheel is too far away. Interior is almost too simple and basic but I kinda liked that at first.

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Nowski - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how much power the 3.2 engine has. A recent trip to Yosemite, fully loaded down with 5 backpackers + gear, we were passing cars going uphill from Yosemite Valley up to Tuolomne Meadows at an elevation of 8400. Air conditioner full blast, 95 degrees outdoors, sunny, smoke-filled air from forest fires, this Rodeo just took the corners and muscled up the hill faster than other Explorers, Blazers, 4Runners, Tahoes, etc. (I still got 20 mpg for the trip...not bad at all for an SUV) Id prefer more leg room in the back, but...I guess you cant have everything.

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  Wonderful vehicle/fun to drive - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Rays baby - September 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just returned from a 8,500 mile, 17 state road trip. We were looking for a midsize SUV that looks good and performs well. We noticed a lot of SUVs on the road and especially many Isuzu Rodeos. On arrival home, we looked at and purchased a new 2004 Rodeo. It is a wonderful vehicle. My wife is 5 feet tall and she loves to drive it. We have to draw straws to determine who is going to have the pleasure of driving this vehicle. We love the exterior and interior of this SUV. We have the running boards and roof racks, with spoiler over the rear window. We have driven 3,500 miles so far, our MPG averages 23 long distance, and between 18 and 21 around town. We love the engine power.

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  Dependable, economical - 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
  By workin man - September 26 - 2:46 pm

  Ive owned my Rodeo since late 2002, using it as a work vehicle. Overall, its been a dependable work truck with good gas mileage and plenty of ground clearance. So far, Ive put 104,000 miles on it with few problems. Its easy to work on, but hasnt needed much repair so far.

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  Upgrading to the Ascender - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Bob Ransom - September 26 - 10:23 am

  I recently upgraded from the Isuzu Rodeo to the Ascender, what an improvement! The overall ride comfort, suspension, brakes, and space were noticeable from the initial test drive. After taking the vehicle on a 600 mile trip, other positives such as the air-conditioner and low level of outside noise became apparent. Purchasing this vehicle has been the best decision Ive made all year!